Air quality in ‘very poor’ category: At 310 AQI, Delhi most polluted in country
The action plan will be in force in addition to the Stage I GRAP, which has already been implemented.
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According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Capital reported the worst 24-hour average AQI at 310 in the entire country, on Monday. (Representative Image) With Delhi’s air quality entering the ‘very poor’ category on Monday with an air quality index (AQI) of 310 – up from Sunday’s 277 in the ‘poor’ category – 11-point action plan as per Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has kicked in.
The action plan will be in force in addition to the Stage I GRAP, which has already been implemented. GRAP, a set of emergency measures to curb air pollution, is invoked stage-wise by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas.
According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Capital reported the worst 24-hour average AQI at 310 in the entire country, on Monday. An AQI in the ‘very poor’ category – colour-coded as red – can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure to all people, as per the CPCB.
Stage II GRAP: 11-point action plan
# Mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling of identified roads daily.
# Water sprinkling and use of dust suppressants every alternate day during non-peak hours on roads, along with proper disposal of dust collected in designated sites/landfills.
# Intensify inspections for strict enforcement of dust control measures.
# Targeted action for abatement of air pollution in all hotspots. Intensify remedial measures for predominant sectors contributing to adverse air quality in each hotspot.
# Uninterrupted power supply to discourage use of DG sets, etc.
# Implement schedule for regulated operations of DG sets across all sectors, including industrial, commercial, residential and offices.
# Synchronise traffic movements and deploy adequate personnel for smooth flow of traffic.
# Alert in newspapers, TV, radio to advise people about air pollution levels and implement do’s and don’ts to minimise polluting activities.
# Enhance parking fees to discourage private transport.
# Augment CNG, electric bus and Metro services by inducting additional fleet, increasing frequency.
# Resident welfare associations to provide electric heaters to security staff to avoid open bio-mass and municipal solid waste burning during winter.
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